ASK cell lines
A crucial tool for studying viral pathogens affecting Atlantic salmon.
Background
The ASK cell line was established as a response to the need for in vitro models to study viral infections that specifically affect Atlantic salmon. Fish farming, particularly of species like Atlantic salmon, has become a major industry, but this has brought challenges such as viral outbreaks that can decimate farmed populations. The establishment of the ASK cell line allowed researchers to culture viruses in a controlled environment and to explore viral life cycles, immune responses, and potential treatments or vaccines.
ASK cells originate from the kidney of Atlantic salmon, an important organ for immune response and osmoregulation. While ASK cells are particularly well-suited for the cultivation of infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), they can also be used to study other important pathogens like infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), making them a versatile tool in viral research related to aquaculture.
Applications
Viral Studies: ASK cells are primarily used for isolation, propagation, and analysis of ISAV, a major threat to salmon farming. They are also effective for cultivating and studying IPNV, and potentially other fish-specific viruses.
Immunology Research: Due to their derivation from immune-related tissues, ASK cells can be used to study immune responses to viral infections, mechanisms of immune evasion by pathogens, and broader immune recognition processes in Atlantic salmon.
Vaccine Development: ASK cells are also used to test the efficacy of vaccines aimed at preventing viral infections like ISAV in salmon. They provide an in vitro platform for evaluating the potential of vaccine candidates, thereby aiding the efforts to reduce the impact of viral diseases in fish farming.
Business opportunity
We are interested in talking to industry partners who want to use the ASK cell lines for commercial development, for example in development of ILA/ISA vaccines. The cell lines can be submitted under MTA, while commercial use is subject to non-exclusive license agreement
Inventors
Bjørn Krossøy, University of Bergen
Are Nylund, University of Bergen
Contact
If you wish to discuss the project or have any questions, please contact:
Johan Gunnar
Senior Project Manager Innovation
Tel.: 41387426
E-mail: jgu@visinnovasjon.no